Abstract

• The volcanic mud sample was collected from Yauk Chaung Village, Kyaukphyu Township, Rakhine State and quarry dust from Loikaw Township, Kayah State. The physical properties (moisture content, loss - on -ignition, specific gravity ,fineness, pH and pozzolanic reactivity) of volcanic mud and quarry dust samples were determined and characterized by conventional and modern spectroscopic methods (EDXRF, XRD and SEM).From the EDXRF and XRD analysis, it was observed that the major oxide compositions were present as SiO2, CaO, Fe2O3 and Al2O3 in both samples. It was found that the samples were silica-alumina rich compound. From the SEM micrographs, the microstructure of quarry dust appeared to be glassy, hollow and porous structure . In the microstructure of volcanic mud sample, the micrograph indicates crystalline nature. It can be considered that the pores are micro-porosity sized particles. The optimum conditions of sodium hydroxide concentration and the ratio of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate which are used in the preparation of geopolymer have been determined. The physical properties (apparent porosity, water absorption, apparent density) and the mechanical properties (compressive strength) of prepared volcanicmud based geopolymer were also determined. Compressive strength of geopolymer ranged from 6.70 to 21.41N/mm2.The mechanical properties compressive strength of prepared volcanic mud-quarry dust based geopolymer (GP) and blended cement (GP: Cement) (1:1, 1:2, 2:1) at different time intervals (7, 14 and 28 days) have been determined.